The Root of All Evil: The Chronicles of Brock Lane

by Mark Stephen O'Neal

Brock Lane is on top of the world even though his NBA team, the St. Louis Trojans, was eliminated from playoff contention. He had a breakout season in his fourth year as a pro basketball player, and he received a lucrative contract extension for his efforts.

However, Brock's stepfather was kidnapped by two hardened criminals after he came back to Chicago on the eve of Mother's Day weekend, and they demanded one million dollars for his release by Friday at midnight. Will Brock raise the money in time or will there be dire consequences if he misses the deadline? The Root Of All Evil is a crime fiction book that’s sure to keep readers on edge.

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2018

About the author

I'm an independent author who currently resides in Chicago and writes urban crime fiction books. I enjoy watching crime dramas, comedy and sports; and I love traveling in my spare time. I'm also a follower of Christ who strives to be a positive influence daily. Look out for various new releases in the near future.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

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[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t follow sports that much, but mystery and crime novels are certainly up my alley. I got this one on a whim and I really liked it. This is the first in a series (only two books out at the moment but surely more to follow), and it follows Brock Lane, a professional basketball player who is pretty good at what he does. When his father is kidnapped in Chicago and held for an absurdly high amount of ransom, Brock must scramble to amass all the ransom money in time to save his father. He is forced to turn to a more violent part of the city to garner information on who has his father and like a stone dropped in water, the implications of his actions have unintended consequences.
Really good mystery, it kept me entertained and occupied throughout the day reading through and trying to guess what will come next. The author wrote very well, and it was a smooth read, already going to get the next book.

[Rachel Kester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel by Mark Stephen O’Neal is the first book in his Windy City Crime Series. It tells the story of Brock Lane, a professional basketball player who is going through some ups and downs with his career. However, this isn’t the only thing Lane has to worry about. When Lane comes to visit his family for Mother’s Day, he finds that his stepfather has been kidnapped. In order for him to be released, one million dollars has to be sent to the kidnappers by a certain time before harm comes to his stepfather. It’s up to Brock to come up with this massive amount before tragedy occurs.
O’Neal’s writing style is phenomenal and he keeps the story flowing well. The book is action-packed and you’ll be flipping through the pages quickly to find out if Lane can raise the money needed before it’s too late. If you enjoy suspenseful novels, definitely check this book out.

[Pegboard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Stephen O'Neal has a knack for writing about the urban challenges of a black man. The Root of All Evil begins with Brock Lane, a professional basketball player, who is returning home between seasons and finds they have targeted him. Because of the kidnapping his stepfather, Brock calls on a brother of the hood for information, though trying to keep clean himself. Will he get the money in time and his father still be alive? Will this involvement void his contract?
 
This author, Mark Stephen O'Neal, always amazes me as I can audible hear these characters speak in their slang. The Root of All Evil is like walking down memory lane in Chicago area. It is hard for those who grew up in that environment to leave and make a better life for themselves. They have their own set of rules. Looking forward to the next book in the Windy City Crime Series; Frenemy: The Chronicles of Brock Lane.

[Kate Brackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brock is a basketball player, and a good one at that. Although his team did not survive the playoffs, Brock was still offered an extension on his basketball contract. He travels to Chicago to spend time with his family- his stepdad and brother to whom he is close to. This is where things start picking up in the plot -his stepdad is kidnapped and the kidnappers want one million dollars for his return. Was the contract extension and the kidnapping timing a coincidence? I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm not a huge basketball fan, but the story was very intriguing and kept me turning the pages. The writing was pleasantly surprising as well, and I'm looking forward to the second in the series

[Jimmy Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing short mystery

This story is about Brock Lane who is an new star in the NBA. After his team is eliminated in the first round of the playoffs Brock returns home for the off season trying to resume his normal life. A random call from his college ex girlfriend starts his off season. When he visits family for Mother’s Day he discovers the terrible reality that his step father has been kid knapper and they want one million dollars for his safe return. Although the story is short the journey is fast paced and exciting. Take the time to read this adventure and you will find yourself left wanting more. The author is a good storyteller with a fun style. A must read for the mystery folks.

[Archie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery, Thrill & Action!
Mystery, thrill and action all in one novel is surely a good sign for readers, especially who have an interest in such themes. The story revolves around Brock Lane, who is a basketball player and a good one. Although his team did not make it, but he did get a contract extension. His stepfather is kidnapped in Chicago and now he must arrange for one-million-dollar ransom, by a certain time to save him. Brock career and his personal life are at stake and he needs to find a way out. Interesting short story, the characters are likeable and mystery twists and thrilling events keep the reader going.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brock is a player with the St. Louis Trojans, and he was eliminated from the playoffs. Brock received a lucrative contract extension. Brock returns home to Chicago to spend time with his stepdad and brother. Brock’s stepdad was kidnapped and they demanded one million dollars for his release by Friday. Brock reached out to his best friend and others for assistance. This was an awesome read. We need to be careful of our friends!!

[Pat Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Of Money

There were so many potential culprits but I finally honed in on the right one. It didn't diminish the story any. Fast paced and mildly suspenseful, this kept me on my toes. I want those thieves to face some kind of justice and I hope it happens by the end of this series.

[Kaprincess Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I'm missed they got away with it. That wasn't fair at all. Tsk tsk friends backstabbers, backstabbers!!! That wasn't rightm

[Danelle Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great light read. Has you wanting to read part 2

[Sandra Matthews]

Sandra review

This was good to bad his friend set him up to get Rob he shall had kill him in the first place

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something different

Great book not the kind of book I usually would read but this this was great can’t wait to read your next one